22010.282 Exalted by God

“I tell you that this man went down to his home justified rather than the Pharisee. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” —Luke 18:14

Being just before God begins with humility. True humility is a rare gem, is it not? In our verse for today, Jesus ends the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector with what I am sure was a big surprise ending for all is listeners! Righteous in his own eyes, the Pharisee fell short of righteousness in God’s eyes.

Scripture tells us:

“But he gives greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.’” —James 4:6

“God opposes the proud.” The word “opposes,” or “resists,” is antitassetai, a military term meaning “to battle against.”

However, the good news is that God “gives grace to the humble.” As we humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, He will lift us up.

“Whether a believer is called to resist his human spirit which tends toward envy or to rejoice in the Holy Spirit who jealously yearns for each believer’s edification, the call is to shun pride and to submit humbly to God’s authority. The cure for conflict is a humble spirit which is rewarded by God’s unmerited favor.” —Bible Knowledge Commentary

Peter tells us:

“And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand by casting all your cares on him because he cares for you.” —1 Peter 5:6–7

God sees everything that happens to His children—every slight, every hurt, every misunderstanding! He knows every motive that prompts every action. He knows each heart through and through. This is why He tells us to leave revenge up to Him. He takes care of defending His own and He does it perfectly. We need not worry about our own defense.

“Man sees your actions, but God, your motives.” —Thomas a Kempis

“For the LORD takes delight in his people; he exalts the oppressed by delivering them.” —Psalm 149:4

Our troubles occur when we take measures into our own hands—making sure everyone knows how right we are! But Paul tells us:

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written.” —Romans 12:17–19

Become More

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.” —Matthew 11:28–30

Further Reflection

“This life therefore is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness; not health, but healing; not being but becoming; not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it. The process is not yet finished, but it is going on. This is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified.” —Martin Luther, Luther’s Works, “Defense and Explanation of All the Articles”

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